2007-07-27 08:44:36 · 19 answers · asked by MJMGrand 6 in Sports ➔ Baseball
NateDewey, believe it or not, there ARE other Baltimore players that have earned respect from Baltimore fans. And I'm not talking about just Ray Lewis, I'm talking about Brian Roberts, Todd Heap, Matt Stover, who are among the best at their respective jobs, and play the game with a level of class and respect to go with their level of talent.
They simply don't get the noteriety that Ripken does in part because of the streak and they don't get the credit of "revolutionizing" their position like Cal does.
Fans here also endeer themselves to Cal because he is a Maryland born player from the greater Baltimore area who got a chance to play for the hometown team his entire career, where he helped his team win a world championship (1983) and made the entire franchise look good simply by being himself.
And if you honeslty don't believe that Ray Lewis hasn't made himself a face of Baltimore sports, I suppouse you also wouldn't be inclined to believe that the R.Lewis 52 jerseys aren't the best selling jerseys for the sports franchise in Baltimore that is more popular than the Orioles.
Believe or not, more than one athlete can be the face of the city, otherwise Cal Ripken would be competing for an honoring label that was first reserved for Johnny Unitas.
2007-07-27 18:07:49 · answer #1 · answered by Baltimore Birds Fan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He and Tony Gwynn are among the last of a dying breed: baseball players (and athletes in general, for that matter) who play(ed) the game the way it was meant to be played...with honor, respect and passion.
I remember sitting behind the Indians dugout when they were playing in Milwaukee the night Ripken broke Gehrig's record. Even there, all action stopped when they showed the live feed from Baltimore, and the stadium gave a standing ovation.
2007-07-27 16:07:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I highly doubt it considering how he is still the only thing going for the entire city of Baltimore. Most other teams have someone to which to look up to. The problem is within 3 hours of the DC/Balt. area you can't avoid him. The Orioles basically still use him as a fan draw around here because, well lets be honest, you probably live closer to a minor league team. Minor league baseball around here is cheaper and has just about the same talent as the Orioles. Yankee and Red Sox fans go to Camden because A. they can get tickets, any day, any game, and B. They're 75% sure they will get to see they're team beat the snot out of the Orioles. That said, as Orioles fans, you can only hope Cal gives up on his minor league team and figures out a way to get Angelos out of out of Baltimore. Cal retired, what 5-6 years ago and is still the face of the franchise, come on? He is still to this day a great man, role model and comes from a true baseball family. You can't really dislike the guy for any reason. As a baseball fan I would say that the rest of the country respects him but loved...eh thats pushing it. Baltimore / Maryland, its really time to find another icon, I hear Ray Lewis is available?
2007-07-27 16:17:14 · answer #3 · answered by natedewey 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Cal Ripken is loved every where because how he played the game and didn't cheat. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Can't wait to see his speech.
2007-07-27 16:11:09 · answer #4 · answered by Sharon S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yeah, I think he is just about everywhere. He was a great player and a class act all the way. The guy that said nobody would know who he is outside of Maryland is off his rocker.
2007-07-27 16:17:20 · answer #5 · answered by DoReidos 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is possible for him to be loved as much as he is in Maryland. One thing that can be said is that he is respected. No one will diss the fact he played in every game for over sixteen seasons, and played very well.
2007-07-27 16:34:29 · answer #6 · answered by Patrick M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cal who?
Seriously, if you don't know baseball or you don't live in Maryland, then most people have no clue who he is. I know him and think he's a good guy, but I highly doubt most people know much about him.
2007-07-27 15:48:53 · answer #7 · answered by gaelicspawn 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have never met a fan that didn't love him. He is so repected for what he did and I don't think there will ever be another player like Cal. His record will stand forever.
2007-07-27 15:53:02 · answer #8 · answered by Jerbson 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I dont know about loved, simply because most sports towns have their own idols but he is well respected. Did you see his last season? The standing o's and respect he got at every ballpark in the country.
2007-07-27 16:34:06 · answer #9 · answered by Ryan P. 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
he was my favorite when i was a kid back in the eighties, you will not find a finer role model, family man, or bally player than Cal Jr. I heard his interview on mike and mike the other day and he hasnt changed at all since i was a kid.
2007-07-27 15:59:28 · answer #10 · answered by j-v 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋